Vernon Coffey, 91, Minot and formerly of Des Lacs, died on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 in a Minot nursing home.

Vernon was born July 1, 1918, in Gentoy County, near King City, Missouri, to Milton and Catherine (Filbert) Coffey. He was raised in the Des Lacs, ND area, where he graduated from High School in 1938.

Vernon began his employment with the Great Northern Railroad as a coal boy following graduation. He was inducted into the United States Army on May 9, 1941, serving in central Europe. Vernon was accorded the Good Conduct Medal for his honorable service to his country and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged on October 29, 1945.

Following his military service, Vernon resumed employment with the railroad as a clerk and later as the foreman of the maintenance department until his retirement in July 1979.

Vernon was united in marriage to Mabel Stenvold Rogelstad on July 26, 1979, in Reno, NV. They made their home in Minot. They enjoyed traveling, playing pinochle and pool and visiting the casino. Mabel died on October 8, 1998.

Vernon was a member of the Minot American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Senior Citizens and Eagles Aerie.

Surviving family includes: sisters, Peggy Nogosek, Des Lacs, ND and Gladys Jordahl, Minot, ND; Stepchildren, Karen Hoffer and Ron Rogelstad, both of Minot, Jerry Rogelstad, Springfield, MO and Lee Rogelstad, Greenbrier, AR; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mabel, and brothers, Mike, Elmo and Ron Coffey and sister Sybil Machado.

Funeral service: Monday, December 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, rural Mandan, ND.
Visitation: Sunday from noon - 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home.